Loud dispute in Roselle Park leads to two arrests

ROSELLE PARK — A woman told police she was hit in the face by a man, while the man claimed he was defending himself because the woman was stabbing his arms with scissors.

Their loud dispute just before 1 a.m. Monday, Feb. 18, brought police to the 600 block of Chestnut Street to investigate.

When they arrived, police officers were met outside by a woman, Carmen Lopez, 38, of Roselle Park. She told police she had been arguing with Ronel D. Garner, 33, of Roselle Park, when he hit her in the face, according to police.

Police found Garner inside the home, took him into custody and charged him with simple assault. Garner, however, told police he had hit her in self defense, because she had stabbed him with scissors. Garner said she hit his arms with scissors and caused multiple puncture wounds and a small laceration, police said. He then refused to continue to cooperate in the investigation, police said.

Police also took Lopez into custody and charged her with simple assault.

Both were taken to police headquarters and, while being processed, police said they found Garner had four bags of suspected marijuana on him. Garner was unable to post bail and was taken to Union County Jail.

Lopez was released later in the morning after posting bail.

Police are investigating the weapons offense and aggravated assault and are trying to develop further evidence.